North Macedonia Hip-Hop Event Deaths Reach 59, Says Minister

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Aerial view of the nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, March 16, 2025. — AFP — An aerial view of the nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, where numerous partygoers lost their lives, on March 16, 2025. — AFP

In the early hours of Sunday, a devastating fire swept through a nightclub in North Macedonia, claiming the lives of 59 individuals. The blaze reportedly ignited due to on-stage fireworks during a performance, prompting authorities to issue arrest warrants for four individuals.

According to officials, 155 people sustained injuries and were transported to various hospitals across the nation, with 18 victims in critical condition. Some of the more severe cases are being transferred to hospitals in other European countries for specialized care.

The fire erupted at Club Pulse in Kocani around 3 AM, while over 1,000 young fans were in attendance for a concert by the well-known hip-hop duo DNK.

“At first, we couldn’t believe there was a fire. Then panic erupted, and there was a stampede as people scrambled to escape,” recounted a young woman who attended the concert, speaking to local media outside a hospital in the capital, Skopje.

Emergency responders arrived promptly and attempted to resuscitate individuals, but their efforts were insufficient, according to the woman, who was waiting for news about her friend with burn injuries to his hand.

Family members of fire victims at hospital in Kocani, March 16, 2025. — AFP — Family and friends gather outside a hospital following the tragic fire in Kocani that resulted in 51 fatalities, on March 16, 2025. — AFP

The fire was likely triggered by the use of pyrotechnics meant for lighting effects during the concert, explained Interior Minister Pance Toskovski during his visit to the scene with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.

“Sparks ignited the ceiling, which was made from highly flammable materials, causing the fire to sweep through the nightclub quickly, filling the area with dense smoke,” Toskovski stated.

The interior ministry has announced that warrants have been issued for four individuals in connection with the incident, and a criminal investigation is underway, though no further details were provided.

“Based on the information available, we have confirmed 59 fatalities, with 35 individuals identified. Among the identified, 31 are from Kocani and four from Stip,” Toskovski said.

“As of noon (1100 GMT), 155 people have been reported injured and are being treated in hospitals nationwide,” he added.

Debris outside the burned nightclub in Kocani, March 16, 2025. — AFP — Debris scattered on the ground outside the nightclub where the tragedy occurred in Kocani, on March 16, 2025. — AFP

“We are preparing to transport those with serious injuries from the Kocani fire to top hospitals in several European countries,” said Stojanche Angelov, head of North Macedonia’s Crisis Centre.

Kristina Serafimovska, the director of the Kocani hospital, informed reporters that the patients are predominantly between the ages of 14 and 25.

“Seventy of the injured have burns and carbon monoxide poisoning,” she noted.

A member of DNK, Vladimir Blazev, suffered facial burns and required assistance with his breathing, his sister relayed to local news.

‘A Heartbreaking Day’

“This is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking day” for our nation, Prime Minister Mickoski conveyed on his Facebook page.

“The loss of so many young lives is beyond measure, and the sorrow of their families, friends, and loved ones is immeasurable,” he stated.

Videos shared on social media before the fire exhibited the use of “stage fountains,” a type of indoor pyrotechnics highlighted during performances.

Forensic team entering the nightclub where the fire occurred, March 16, 2025. — AFP — Forensic personnel entering the nightclub where the deadly fire broke out in Kocani, on March 16, 2025. — AFP

Other footage released by the media displayed massive flames erupting from the building, a two-story structure located in Kocani, a town with a population of 30,000.

An AFP photographer witnessed military medical vehicles arriving to assist the local hospital with the influx of injured individuals.

Leaders from neighboring countries extended offers of help.

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov described the fire as “a tremendous human tragedy” on Facebook and offered air force assistance to transport some of the injured to medical facilities in Sofia and Varna, Bulgaria.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences on X, previously Twitter, stating that he sends “heartfelt condolences to the people of North Macedonia for the tragic loss of life in the fire.”

Medical units from the Macedonian army arriving to assist in Kocani, March 16, 2025. — AFP — Medical units from the Macedonian army arriving to provide support at a local hospital in Kocani, on March 16, 2025. — AFP

“Greece is ready to help during this challenging time,” he added.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his sorrow, stating he was “at a loss for words” and ready to offer any assistance needed.

Messages of support also came from various European Union representatives, as North Macedonia seeks to join the bloc.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, expressed her sadness regarding the tragedy on X, stating, “The EU shares in the grief and pain of the people of North Macedonia.”